Does a Travel Trailer Really Need a Suspension Upgrade?

June 26, 2024 — by Jack Enfield

Travel trailers offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure, allowing enthusiasts to explore the great outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of home. Since they are typically smaller and lighter than their big brother 5th wheel, many travel trailer owners go off the beaten path or into National Parks and Forests where the roads aren’t the greatest. Just like a 5th wheel, travel trailers can see major benefits from suspension and running gear upgrades. Travel trailers typically come equipped with conventional leaf springs, a steel equalizer, and an attaching parts kit. Let’s look at three upgrades that can make a significant difference in a travel trailer’s ability to handle rough roads.

Heavy-duty Shackle Kit — The standard attaching parts kit includes ¼” shackles, plastic bushings, and dry bolts. As the bushing wears, the bolt tends to grind against the shackle bracket. Over time, the bracket wears out, which can lead to a break. A heavy-duty shackle kit upgrade includes ½” brackets, bronze bushings, and greaseable bolts—each a significant step up from the standard. The benefit: added durability and peace of mind that you won’t be broken down due to worn bushings and brackets.

Heavy-duty Shackle Kit — The standard attaching parts kit includes ¼” shackles, plastic bushings, and dry bolts. As the bushing wears, the bolt tends to grind against the shackle bracket. Over time, the bracket wears out, which can lead to a break. A heavy-duty shackle kit upgrade includes ½” brackets, bronze bushings, and greaseable bolts—each a significant step up from the standard. The benefit: added durability and peace of mind that you won’t be broken down due to worn bushings and brackets.

Crossmember — The leaf springs attach to the frame via a hanger. With all the cornering, backing into tight spots, and lateral strain, hangers can bend or have a weld that breaks. The crossmember addresses this by providing much more lateral support at the spring hanger. Think of it as an added truss that spans side to side between the hangers. Each crossmember reduces lateral strain by 90%, making towing more stable under all road conditions. You can add a crossmember at each hanger if you’d like.

Crossmember — The leaf springs attach to the frame via a hanger. With all the cornering, backing into tight spots, and lateral strain, hangers can bend or have a weld that breaks. The crossmember addresses this by providing much more lateral support at the spring hanger. Think of it as an added truss that spans side to side between the hangers. Each crossmember reduces lateral strain by 90%, making towing more stable under all road conditions. You can add a crossmember at each hanger if you’d like.

Rubber Equalizer — Rough towing doesn’t have to be normal for a travel trailer. Upgrading to a rubber equalizer can help cushion and absorb road shock, giving you smoother towing and better protection from rough road shock. Rubber equalizer upgrades are common on 5th wheel trailers, and travel trailer owners are beginning to understand their value as well.

Rubber Equalizer — Rough towing doesn’t have to be normal for a travel trailer. Upgrading to a rubber equalizer can help cushion and absorb road shock, giving you smoother towing and better protection from rough road shock. Rubber equalizer upgrades are common on 5th wheel trailers, and travel trailer owners are beginning to understand their value as well.

Suspension and running gear upgrades are budget-friendly, with components costing between $100-$300. Installation can be DIY or done by a mechanic or service center. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or navigating challenging off-road terrain, a suspension upgrade can significantly improve your travel trailer experience. For more information, visit MORryde.com. Be sure to follow us on social media!

Suspension and running gear upgrades are budget-friendly, with components costing between $100-$300. Installation can be DIY or done by a mechanic or service center. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or navigating challenging off-road terrain, a suspension upgrade can significantly improve your travel trailer experience. For more information, visit MORryde.com. Be sure to follow us on social media!

Related Posts

The RV Gray Tank – To Open or Close?
February 07, 2025 — by Jack Enfield

The RV gray tank: a frequent topic of conversation among RVers with differing opinions on whether or not to keep it open.. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing so! What is a Gray Tank? The gray tank is where all your wastewater from sinks, showers, and (sometimes) laundry drains into. […]

Hitch Equipment: Are You Storing It Correctly?
January 24, 2025 — by Jack Enfield

Weight distribution hitches (WDHs) play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe towing experience for your travel trailer. They help evenly distribute the weight of your load, preventing excessive sway and improving control. But once you’ve arrived at the campground and disconnected your trailer, storing your weight distribution hitch can present some challenges. […]

Meet the Running from Normal family
January 24, 2025 — by Sarah (Running from Normal)

Hello, we are Running From Normal! We are a family of adventurers who have been living the full-time RV life for four incredible years. Our passion is exploring the unique landscapes and outdoor adventures that every state has to offer. What fuels our journey is the opportunity to cultivate a strong family bond through meaningful […]

RECENT POSTS
The RV Gray Tank – To Open or Close?
February 07, 2025 — by Jack Enfield
Hitch Equipment: Are You Storing It Correctly?
January 24, 2025 — by Jack Enfield
Meet the Running from Normal family
January 24, 2025 — by Sarah (Running from Normal)
How many crossmembers do I need for my trailer?
February 27, 2024 — by Jack Enfield